Jim Conte to Star as RUMPELSTILSTKIN at Media Theatre, Feb 2014

Delaware County resident Jim Conte has been enjoying what he refers to as his 'encore career' as a character actor the last few years. He's been known as Oz and Father Virgil Trott at The Media Theatre but will now have a name known only if you are able to answer a very important riddle!

The name he will be known by (it's a secret!) is "Rumpelstiltskin". Conte will play the role in Media Music Theatre Company's production of the children's story during the month of February. With shows on Saturday mornings at 11am and Sundays at Noon each weekend, he and the rest of the cast are sure to delight ages 4 and up.

In this version of "Rumpelstiltskin" Conte plays a wise cracking troll-like wizard who schemes his way through life. He finds out the village is bankrupt and decides to pretend a locAl Miller's daughter is able to spin straw into gold in order to gain wealth and power. The show has lessons aplenty about greed and selfishness, all done with a wink to the audience throughout due to the script's humor.

Conte graduated from Penncrest High School, and was privileged to serve as music director in three southeastern Pennsylvania public school districts (Tredyffrin-Easttown, Upper Darby and Rose Tree Media) where he directed award winning bands and orchestras. He also directed choirs, taught music classes, directed musical theatre productions and, in a different area of extra-curricular activities, coached track.

"Perhaps the track coaching will help me to run around the stage in this show," he said.

Since his 'encore career' began he has enjoyed singing in the Festival Chorus with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, working with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, and being an extra in several major motion pictures including the award winning "Silver Linings Playbook". He has been seen at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman in New Jersey as Cap'n Andy in "Showboat" and also in "Noises Off" and "Over the River and Through The Woods". He's worked with Longwood Gardens, Centre Theatre of Montgomery County, and New Candlelight Theatre.

At The Media Theatre, he was seen in 2013's "Death on the 16th Fairway", "Nunsense Jamboree", and "The Wizard of OZ". He is also the male swing, understudying two roles in its winter 2014 production of "The Diary of Anne Frank".

This musical version of "Rumpelstiltskin" has not been performed at The Media Theatre previously. Music direction is by Anthony Womack, who previously worked with the casts of "Pinkalicious", "101 Dalmatians" and "Wizard of OZ".

Other cast members in "Rumpelstilstkin" are Danielle Lachall as The Miller's Widow, Katie Davis as The Miller's Daughter, Aaron Atkinson as The Prince, Shiron Denise as The Queen, Rob White as The Court Jester, and Tim Woodward as the Prime Minister.

Youth actors from The Media Theatre's New School in the show are Amber Duncan as Griselda, Veronica Garrubbo as the Apple Seller, Emily Kinka as Lady Matilda, Hanna Murphy as Charlotte, Morgan Perry as Katherine, Michael Wells as the Huntsman, and Madison Yannatelli as the Nursemaid.

The Youth Ensemble (Town Citizens and Royal Court) are Josh Atkinson, Hannah Brady, Holly Deluca, Miranda Fitzgerald, Sebastian Fitzgerald, Madilyn Gibbs, Madison Law, Mary Layne, Rachel McCabe, Rachel McVey, Sean O' Neill, Shelby Narkin, Gabe Palmarini, Morgan Perry, Lily Sfida, Grace Tooze, Mary Kate Vink and Carter Weiss.

For tickets or information, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Group rates are available. The Media Theatre also has its Crystal Room available after performances for private birthday and children's parties.

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